This week's three-hour WWE Raw started with a live shot inside the arena. Justin Roberts didn't waste any time introducing Bret Hart to start the show. And, Hart is finally back in Montreal 15 years after the Montreal Screwjob. On commentary, Michael Cole set the stage while a returning Jerry Lawler chimed in. Hart made his way to the ring dressed in a jacket, plaid button-down dress shirt, and jeans. Hart posed in the ring and Lawler noted the building is vibrating.

Once Hart's music stopped, Hart surveyed the crowd and thanked the crowd in English and French. Hart then waited out a long, strong ovation from the crowd. Bret kept trying to talk, but the crowd kept cheering over him. This was followed by a loud "Ole, Ole" chant. Hart said this is a great moment for him to be able to return to Montreal and he's a little bit speechless. He said so many things happened 15 years ago and said the last time he was here was the darkest days of his life, but also one of his proudest. He thanked the crowd for supporting him all these years and Montreal has been in his heart for 15 years. Hart went back to the Montreal Screwjob, thanking Montreal for getting him through the dark days. He said it was a distinctly unique Canadian moment and he stands proud of what he did that day. "God bless everyone in Montreal," Hart said to loud applause.

Suddenly, Cult of Personality played to loud boos. Interesting. Out came WWE champion C.M. Punk, who slowly walked out on-stage to survey the audience. Punk, dressed to wrestle in pink trunks, stopped to survey one ringside fan dressed in Bret Hart gear who chewed him out. Punk then slowly entered the ring to boos as Hart smiled in the background. Once Punk's music stopped, the crowd picked up its booing. Punk then circled around Hart and pointed at him. He said with all due respect, everything that has happened the last 15 years has been painfully detailed in his book, which Punk sarcastically referred to as an encyclopedia.

Punk said he doesn't have such an ego that he would pen a book about himself. But, if he did have a book, it would be called "What If?" Punk said it would be about what if he were in Shawn Michaels's place at Survivor Series 1997. Hart interrupted and said he would have tapped out Punk in about a minute with a Sharpshooter, which popped the crowd. Punk laughed and said he would have beaten Hart without needing Vince McMahon's help, the Attitude Era wouldn't have happened, and he would have left the sinking WWE ship to WCW. "And, WWE would be dead," he said. Hart replied that the Best in the World would have been excellently executed by the Best There is, Best There Was, and Best There Ever Will Be.

Punk paced around before saying it kills him that Hart still refers to himself as that. Punk said Hart could call himself the King of England, heck even the King of Memphis (turned to look at Lawler on commentary), but that doesn't make it true. Hart said he has his own long history with Lawler, but there wasn't one time Lawler left the ring or didn't show up. He noted Punk walked out last week, then attacked John Cena. Hart rolled footage of Punk taking out Cena at the end of Raw last week before driving off with Paul Heyman.

Back in the ring, Punk smirked as he watched the video. He said he was in his hometown last week and he was in a hurry to leave on his day off. Punk asked where Cena is right now, which drew some boos. He asked Hart if Cena has his back tonight. Punk asked Hart if Cena is going to run out here when things get a little too hot for Hart. Hart, within inches of Punk, said he just wanted to come out here and talk to his people. Hart dropped the "respect" word, which prompted a stern reply from Punk, demanding "respect" as WWE champion. Punk said he will cement his legacy this Sunday when he beats Cena and becomes the greatest WWE champion of all-time. Punk said he deserves the ovation and respect this crowd gave Hart every time he walks out in front of the crowd. Punk added that Hart is over-rated, just like Cena, and he will put Cena to sleep on Sunday. Hart replied that it's just like Punk putting these people to sleep right now.

[Q2] After the crowd cheered and chanted, "Bret," Punk said he's going to beat down Cena into a broken-down, beaten shell of a man, just like Hart is. Punk dropped the mic and left the ring to "a-hole" chants before Cult of Personality played. Punk held up his title belt for Hart to have a good look at while standing in the ring.

Later tonight: Bret Hart interviews John Cena to keep Hart on the show.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, Michael Cole plugged a RawActive poll on who C.M. Punk should face tonight. The options were Brodus Clay, Jerry Lawler, or Randy Orton.

In-ring: Kofi Kingston's music played to bring out the WWE tag champs as Justin Roberts announced an all-champions match here. Cole noted a Tag Title match has not been made official for Night of Champions, but he understands it will be Kofi & R-Truth against the Prime Time Players. The Miz was out next and Cole noted no one is lined up to face Miz at Night of Champions on Sunday. Antonio Cesaro was out next with Aksana, who introduced Cesaro. As they walked to the ring, Cesaro offered his word of the day, "prestige." Cole then offered some news that they were will be a pre-show battle royal to determine who faces Cesaro on the actual Night of Champions PPV.

The tag champs quickly cleared the heels to the outside before Kofi dazzled the crowd leading to break at 1:10.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break at 4:45, the heels were in control on Truth as Aksana was randomly resting comfortably on the ring apron. Cesaro tagged in Miz, who blasted Truth with a running smash for a two count. Truth came back with a leaping leg whip to the face, which allowed him to tag in Kingston.

Kingston teed off on Cesaro, who also tagged in, then delivered the Boom Drop. Kingston called for the end, but turned his attention to Miz. The slight distraction allowed Cesaro to cut off Kofi, but Kofi came back with a big cross-body splash from the top rope. Miz broke up a pin attempt, though. Cesaro then dumped Kofi to the outside before quickly rolling up Kofi for a close two count. Cesaro argued with the ref, then turned around to eat Trouble in Paradise from Kofi for the three count.

WINNERS: Kofi & Truth at 8:06. Just not enough to for the audience to sink their teeth into with half of the match occurring during commercial before the standard finish.

[Q3] Post-match: Kofi and Truth celebrated in the ring as Cole plugged their Tag Title defense at the PPV on Sunday. Cole then shifted the broadcast to the World Title situation. They went back to last week's Raw when Sheamus destroyed Ricardo Rodriguez with the Brogue Kick. Back on-camera, Cole recapped David Otunga demanding the Brogue Kick be banned, which led to Booker agreeing to ban the move on Friday's Smackdown.

Backstage: In a faraway camera shot, Sheamus was shown talking to Bret Hart in the backstage area as Cole talked. Lawler said Otunga actually deposed Sheamus earlier today, and the footage will air next. Apparently this is the next round of Anger Management-style skits.

[Commercial Break]

On-camera: Cole and Lawler recapped the legal issues involving the World Title on Smackdown. Cole fed to video from "earlier today" at WWE headquarters.

WWE HQ deposition: On one side of the table, David Otunga was shown sitting next to Ricardo Rodriguez, who was in a neckbrace trying to look pathetic. Sheamus, accompanied by an attorney, was in a very good mood and not taking this seriously on the other side of the table. WWE had multiple cameras, angles, and filters here and proceeded to over-use close-up shots, apparently going for unintentional comedy. Sheamus cracked jokes and mocked Otunga. After Otunga had enough, Otunga presented evidence of Sheamus using the Brogue Kick on referees and opponents. Asked about using the Brogue Kick on Daniel Bryan, Sheamus mocked Otunga by doing "Yes!" chants in response to Otunga's questions.

Otunga, frustrated, blamed Sheamus for inflicting permanent damage to ref Chad Patton and psychological damage to Daniel Bryan. Otunga accused Sheamus of being a vile, remorseless man who has no regard for anyone else. Sheamus vowed to demonstrate on Otunga, but settled for a Brogue Kick to one of the side cameras. WWE apparently ran out of camera angles, as the "feed cut out" and the audio was of Sheamus singing and having a party in the meeting room.

Still to come tonight: Yet another Smackdown main event replayed three days later on Raw, with Sheamus vs. David Otunga. Also, Punk against Clay, Lawler, or Randy Orton based on fan vote.

[Commercial Break]

[Q4] Back live, a strange bedfellows group of Divas champion Layla, Kaitlyn, and Eve was introduced for a six-Divas tag match. Cole noted Layla defends the Divas Title against Kaitlyn on Sunday before Beth Phoenix's music played to bring out Beth, Alicia Fox, and Natalya in Hart Country.

After Phoenix overpowered the default face team, the match built to a Layla hot tag. Eve tagged herself in, though, and pinned Fox, upsetting her teammates. But, Eve ignored them and disingenuously celebrated.

WINNERS: Team Eve at 2:26.

Backstage: C.M. Punk was shown complaining to Raw GM A.J. Lee about her booking him in a RawActive match tonight, six days before Night of Champions. Punk mockingly asked A.J. why she's doing this, asking if she's embarrassed about her "little episode" last week and now is trying to take it out on him. A.J. waited out Punk's complaints, then said she could have booked him against Sheamus after he walked out on the match last week, but she does agree with Punk that a match of that caliber deserves more build-up and spotlight. So, instead, she'll let the people decide his fate tonight. A.J. left, then Punk turned around and found an overly-smiley Brodus Clay staring at him. Punk backed up, then walked off and Brodus kept smiling.

[Commercial Break]

Smackdown plug: Has Alberto Del Rio finally found a way to end Sheamus's World Title reign? Find out on Smackdown.

In-ring: Two minutes before the top of the hour, Cult of Personality played again to bring out C.M. Punk after a slight delay. Punk looked around the arena to soak up boos before marching to the ring to find out who he's facing tonight. As Punk posed in the ring, Cole plugged a story on WWE's website covering Punk and Paul Heyman's "untold history." Ringside, Cole stood up to announce Punk's opponent tonight. The poll revealed Punk's opponent as... Randy Orton with 75 percent. This was followed by 13 percent for Lawler and 12 percent for Clay.

[Q5 -- second hour] Orton walked out on-stage ready for a piece of Punk as Orton continues to run the gauntlet of top and rising stars since returning from suspension. Orton posed in the ring as Punk had to be held back by the referee, then the bell sounded.

3 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK vs. RANDY ORTON -- non-title match

After the bell sounded, Punk noted Punk now has the tenth-longest title reign in WWE history, and is tied with "Superstar" Billy Graham. Lawler noted that Graham is one of those "nobodies" he faced in Memphis, referring to Punk's promo from a few weeks ago. Punk and Orton traded offense early on as the crowd picked up a loud dueling chant for the combatants. Orton suddenly teased an RKO, but Punk bailed to the outside to avoid Orton. Meanwhile, Cole discussed Punk being a "Heyman guy," which helped Punk get into WWE. Then, Punk tried to bail to the backstage area, but Orton chased him down and beat Punk down the entrance ramp back into the ring just before a ten count. Before Orton could return to the ring, though, Punk kicked him in the legs and Orton sold on the floor leading to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, the crowd was mid-dueling chant as Orton and Punk battled center-ring. Orton missed with a knee drop, prompting Orton to sell the effects of Punk's attack right before commercial. Punk then mocked Hart with a Hart-style elbow drop from the middle rope for a two count. Punk tried to follow with a Randy Savage top-rope elbow, but Orton crotched him and landed multiple punches to the face. Orton followed with a superplex to cheers and covered Punk, but the Champ kicked out in-time. Orton followed with a big clothesline, then called out to Montreal. Orton teased a second-rope DDT, but Punk blocked with a kick to the face. The two men teased finishers, then Orton won the exchange by dropping Punk with his signature backbreaker for a two count.

[Q6] Orton caught Punk on the second rope and delivered his signature DDT. Orton then went to That Place and teased the RKO to cheers, but Dolph Ziggler suddenly hit the ring and attacked Orton from behind, prompting a DQ finish. Orton knocked down both Punk and Ziggler, then measured Punk for the RKO, but Ziggler recovered and kicked Orton from behind. Punk and Ziggler then beat down Orton, prompting a "Jerry, Jerry" chant from the crowd. Lawler dropped his headsets and charged the ring to get a piece of Ziggler before helping clear the heels to the floor. Lawler and Orton stood tall in the ring, then Orton sent them back to the floor. Lawler teed off on Punk and Orton teed off on Ziggler as Raw suddenly faded to break mid-fight.

WINNER: Orton via DQ at 13:43. Solid match before the interference to keep Ziggler in the main event picture and continue the Punk-Lawler feud. The booking of Punk as a heel continues to feel like Miz when he became WWE champion in late 2010. (**1/4)

Back from break, the action was still going on in the ring and Cole noted A.J. booked a tag match during the break. Meanwhile, Vickie's voice was heard on the broadcast, announcing her presence in this situation. In the ring, Orton worked on Ziggler and executed a slingshot suplex for a two count. Orton then brought in Lawler, who dropkicked Ziggler. Lawler followed with a fist from the second rope. He wanted a second one on Ziggler and connected, but Ziggler kicked out of a pin.

Ziggler suddenly blasted Lawler with a dropkick to take control as Punk looked disinterested standing on the ring apron. Ziggler continued to ignore Punk before dropping an elbow to Lawler's chest for a two count. Ziggler continued the attack before taunting Orton. But, he couldn't put Lawler away. And, Lawler responded with a back drop to get separation from Ziggler. Lawler eventually reached across the ring to tag in Orton, who teed off on Ziggler. But, Ziggler back-dropped Orton over the top rope to the floor.

Suddenly, Paul Heyman emerged to boos and marched toward the ringside area. Heyman stopped to talk to Punk as some ringside fans chanted, "E-C-W." Vickie tried to interject herself into the Heyman and Punk conversation, but they ignored her screams. Heyman then retrieved the WWE Title belt and handed it to Punk. The camera stayed on their conversation while action continued in the ring. In the background, Ziggler dropkicked Orton, then the two men traded nearfalls. Suddenly, Orton hit the RKO on Ziggler and WWE cut to a hard-camera shot of Orton scoring the pin.

Post-match: WWE went back to a ringside shot of Punk and Heyman completely ignoring the events in the ring. Punk and Heyman then walked away from ringside to the back, not paying to attention to anything happening in the ring as Lawler sold perplexion and Orton sold frustration over the heels ignoring his victory.

WINNERS: Orton & Lawler at 7:07 of what was shown. Interesting way to have Punk and Heyman begin their formal association while Punk continued to no-sell A.J. by ignoring the tag match she booked.

Still to come: Hart interviews Cena.

[Commercial Break]

[Q7] Backstage: Punk and Heyman were shown walking down the hallway, then Matt Striker stopped them to ask what the nature of their relationship is. Heyman looked at Striker like he's crazy, then Punk stepped up to Striker and simply said, "I'm a Paul Heyman guy." Heyman, satisfied, walked off with Punk.

Ringside: Lawler was back on commentary with Cole. They transitioned to a discussion of the Anger Management business between Daniel Bryan and Kane the last few weeks, including the
"Hug It Out" match last week. WWE was going for comedy, apparently, with soft piano music and dramatic replays of Bryan extending his arms toward Kane. The piano music turned into happy fun-time Saturday morning TV music once they hugged. Then, it turned dark and sinister when Bryan and Kane shoved each other, turning hugs into destruction.

Backstage: Kane was shown looking around in a side room. Bryan then walked in and the two men had another misunderstanding. Suddenly, a man cleared his throat off-camera. Kane said this man is twisted, sick, demented, and the worst monster he has encountered in WWE. The camera panned right to reveal Dr. Shelby smiling and ready to offer more anger management help. A.J. Lee then walked in and noted he requested Shelby try another course of action. Shelby said his next solution will break them from their issues or send them into an endless abyss. Shelby said they will have to trust each other. Bryan and Kane grunted at each other before Raw faded to break.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Heath Slater was in the ring with a mic. Slater said last week, Zack Ryder did something he never does with the ladies. "He got lucky," Slater declared, then called for a re-match right now. Zack Ryder then appeared on the video screen and said he's not facing Slater tonight, but his opponent is close enough. Instead of Ry-der, it was Ryback, who emerged on-stage ready for a snack.

5 -- RYBACK vs. HEATH SLATER

Once the bell sounded, the crowd picked up a "Goldberg" chant. Ryback then shoved Slater out of the ring and Slater questioned the announcers with his eyes. Back in the ring, Slater used his quickness to knock down Ryback and score a one count, as administered by a new ref with an Eric Bischoff haircut. Ryback seemed to enjoy the attack from Slater, then over-powered him with a big clothesline. Ryback followed with a lift-up powerbomb before saying it's over. Ryback with the marching backpack slam for the win.

WINNER: Ryback at 2:13. Randy Orton, obviously not impressed, had something else in mind with a post-match tweet of "FEED...ME...SMORES."

[Q8] Post-match: Ryback led the crowd in "Feed Me More" chants after the announcers went through a replay package on Ryback's destructive offense... Announcers: Cole and Lawler talked about WWE's new App.

Backstage: A.J. Lee was on her phone when the Prime Time Players barged in. Titus O'Neil blew a whistle to announce their arrival, then asked A.J. what she has in mind for them. A.J. said actually she called them into her office because there's been a mistake. She said they actually aren't the #1 contenders to the Tag Titles. Titus blew his whistle and said personal foul on A.J. PTP'ers reminded A.J. that they won a #1 contender match, then danced a bit. A.J. said it's not true because they haven't beaten every team, but they'll get a chance later tonight. She said the team is Kane and Daniel Bryan. "You have lost your mind," Titus told A.J., who smiled as the PTP'ers freaked out and walked out of her office.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Daniel Bryan's music played back from break. Bryan emerged on-stage trying to block out the "Yes!" chants from the crowd. Bryan closed his eyes and waved the fans off before taking a deep breath. Bryan ignored an opportunity for a face-to-face "Yes! / No!" battle before entering the ring and pointing out it's "No!" Cole said eh feels so sorry for Bryan, who nearly fell off the top turnbuckle when Kane's pyro shot off to bring out Bryan's tag partner. Once in the ring, Kane locked eyes with Bryan before shooting off his pyro and removing his welder's mask. Kane shook his head and paced the ring before Prime Time Players came out to face the strange bedfellows tandem.

Before the bell sounded, WWE made this official as a #1 contender match to the Tag Titles. Kane and Bryan argued on who should start, then Bryan played the "bigger man" by removing himself to the ring apron. Kane landed offense on Titus, then slap-tagged Bryan, who entered to loud "Yes!" chants in French. Bryan, distracted, lost control of the match, allowing the PTPers to isolate Bryan. Moments later, Bryan fought back with Yes! kicks before Titus cut him off with a sideslam. Titus then taunted Bryan with "Yes!" stomps before barking toward the crowd. D-Young tagged in and Bryan teed off on him with uppercuts, but Young cut him off.

[Q9 -- third hour] At the top of the hour, D-Young settled into a chinlock as the crowd started looking toward something off-camera and the announcers went silent. Odd situation with the announcers quiet here. The crowd chanted, "Jerry, Jerry." Apparently something happened to Lawler? No acknowledgement from Cole, though, who tried to act like everything was normal, but his voice suggested otherwise. In the ring, Bryan clotheslined D-Young as the crowd remained quiet. Cole tried to reset the show before Kane hard-tagged himself into the match. Kane sidewalk-slammed D-Young, then climbed up top for a clothesline. Kane then dumped Titus to the outside and Bryan slap-tagged himself into the match.

Kane had enough of Bryan, though, and chokeslammed Bryan center-ring. In the process of taking the chokeslam, Bryan crashed on top of D-Young and scored a pin for the win while on top of Young. Post-match: Kane played Eve's role disingenuously raising Bryan's arm in victory. Kane then stood over Bryan as Cole noted the odd duo will challenge for the Tag Titles at Night of Champions.

WINNERS: Bryan & Kane at 8:30. Apparently WWE realized Night of Re-matches needed a new match, changing up the Tag Title match to incorporate Kane & Bryan. The health scare situation with Jerry Lawler off-camera was oddly handled; it will be interesting to see if WWE acknowledges it via Cole in the next segment.

Post-match: Cole reset the show and focused on the C.M. Punk-Bret Hart issue at the top of the show. ... Still to come: Bret Hart interviews John Cena.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, Justin Roberts introduced Ricardo Rodriguez, who emerged on-stage sporting a neckbrace. Alone on commentary, Cole acknowledged Ricardo's presence before Ricardo introduced Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio emerged ringside and slowly made his way to the ring before Cole plugged Night of Champions on Sunday. Del Rio posed in the ring before Tyson Kidd's music played to a light reaction in his home country with the crowd clearly more concerned about what happened to Jerry Lawler in the previous segment.

[Q10]

7 -- ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. TYSON KIDD

Still no update on Lawler to the TV audience as Cole flew solo on commentary. Kidd teased an early Sharpshooter, but Del Rio easily blocked and went on the attack. Cole tried to stay engaged in calling the action, but it was apparent his mind was on Lawler. Suddenly, Kidd slapped on the Sharpshooter to a pop. Del Rio had trouble breaking the hold as Cole excitedly described this as a potential huge upset. But, Del Rio reached the bottom rope for a break. Del Rio then snapped Kidd's arm underneath the rope before slapping on the cross arm-breaker. Kidd quickly tapped out, giving Del Rio a tune-up win before challenging for the World Title at Night of Champions.

WINNER: Del Rio via submission at 2:55.

Post-match: Del Rio kicked Kidd around a bit before taking a mic. Del Rio asked Sheamus if he's watching this because he just destroyed this Canadian peasant. He said that's nothing compared to what he plans to do to Sheamus at Night of Champions. Del Rio vowed to make Sheamus lose the World Title at the PPV.

Announcers: Cole was shown on-camera and noted Lawler has not been active the last few matches. Cole solemnly said Lawler collapsed and was helped to the back via stretcher. Cole said Lawler is receiving medical attention right now and they are performing CPR. He said this is not part of tonight's "entertainment." Cole said they are performing CPR as they speak. Cole said they will have more information as Raw rolls on tonight.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, WWE aired a graphic for the pre-Night of Champions battle royal on YouTube to determine who faces U.S. champion Antonio Cesaro on the actual PPV.

In-ring: World Hvt. champion Sheamus was introduced back from break. Sheamus marched to the ring with no one speaking from the announce position. Tweets flashed on the screen with no words from Cole to explain the tweets. David Otunga then walked out to face Sheamus. Still nothing from Cole.

8 -- World Hvt. champion SHEAMUS vs. DAVID OTUNGA -- non-title match

Sheamus dominated Otunga early on as there remained no audio from the announce position. Sheamus landed ten big forearms to the chest as they cut to a shot of Sheamus in the ring and Cole still at the announce position in the background, but not talking. Sheamus eventually tapped out Otunga with the Texas Cloverleaf for a decisive win.

WINNER: Sheamus via submission at 1:26.

Post-match: Sheamus stopped half-way up the entrance ramp before turning back to the ring to consider more damage. Sheamus returned to the ring and measured Otunga for the Brogue Kick before delivering an emphatic Kick to keep the crowd "entertained," apparently, during the Lawler situation.

Suddenly, A.J.'s music played to bring out the Raw GM. A.J. walked out on-stage and told Sheamus he just defied orders. Suddenly, Booker T's music played to bring out Smackdown GM Booker T. Booker said he doesn't know what A.J. was about to say, but this is World Title business. He told Sheamus that he shouldn't be using the Brogue Kick and if he chooses to use the Kick again under any circumstances in any situation, then he will be stripped of the World Title. Sheamus held the title in his hands and looked down at it to end the segment.

Earlier Tonight: Footage of Daniel Bryan and Kane's #1 contender victory narrated itself. WWE ran a Tout from Kofi & Truth noting the PTP'ers just lost their Tag Title shot before noting it's time to go to work ahead of their title defense on Sunday.

Backstage: Daniel Bryan and Kane complained in front of Dr. Shelby, who told them not to lose sight of what just happened when they came together and worked as a team. Bryan took a deep breath and said he doesn't appreciate the chokeslam, but he did get the cover and he did win the match. He said he supposes he could start to like the team of Daniel Bryan and Kane. Kane replied that it's Kane and Daniel Bryan. Dr. Shelby tried to interject before things blew up, then suggested the team be called Team Friendship. "No!" both men shouted at Shelby before continuing the argument off-camera.

The video fed to a graphic plugging the Tag Title match at Night of Champions on Sunday, then more graphic plugs for Orton vs. Ziggler, Sheamus vs. Del Rio, and Punk vs. Cena.

Announcers: Michael Cole was shown on-camera by himself. Cole said this is not part of tonight's show. He said Jerry Lawler collapsed on the ground, was stretchered to the back, was administered CPR, and he was taken to a local hospital. He said Lawler is breathing on his own right now and receiving oxygen. He said this is a very serious situation. Cole said out of respect for Lawler, there will be no further commentary on this broadcast. He said they hope to have another update on Lawler before they go off the air tonight.

In-ring: Rey Mysterio's music played after Cole finished his announcement. Rey made his ring entrance before WWE cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Cody Rhodes's music played to bring out Rey's opponent for what will apparently be the main event.

[Q12]

9 -- REY MYSTERIO vs. CODY RHODES

Rhodes dominated early on as the crowd sat quietly. Rey then dumped Rhodes over the top rope before flying off the ring apron with a huracanrana to the floor. Back in the ring, Rhodes came back with a kick to the face before scoring a nearfall. Rhodes then missed with a corner attack and ate the ringpost shoulder-first. Rey followed with a head scissors into a wheelbarrow bulldog for a two count. Cody tried to come back with a shoulderbreaker, but Rey escaped and dropkicked him into position for the 619. Rey suddenly dropkicked The Miz off the ring apron, which allowed Cody to drop Rey with Cross Rhodes for the pin and the win.

Post-match: Miz slipped into the ring and ripped off his suit jacket. He wanted to drop Rey with the Skullcrushing Finale, but Rhodes grabbed Miz from behind and dropped him with the Cross Rhodes. Rhodes then held up the IC Title belt and glared into the crowd.

WINNER: Rhodes at 4:38. Apparently Rhodes will be part of an IC Title match at Night of Champions.

Backstage: John Cena was shown on-camera for the first time tonight. Cena stopped at a random man doing something while sitting on a platform in front of a Canadiens picture. Cena then kept walking. He's in the main event segment next.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, Cole was shown on-camera. Cole said this is a real-life situation and not part of the entertainment. He said Jerry Lawler collapsed mid-match during commentary earlier. He said doctors were here immediately and Lawler was helped to the back before being taken to a medical center. Cole said they have an update - and they pray it is a bit more encouraging - that Lawler is a bit more responsive and he is reacting to lights in his eyes. He is in isolated E.R. right now. Cole said Lawler is awaiting a CAT Scan and he is fighting through this in typical Lawler fashion. "C'mon, King, get through this," Cole said.

Raw faded to a Smackdown plug for Friday's show. This Friday: Sheamus and Del Rio final hype for Night of Champions.

Back live, Bret Hart's music played to bring out Hart for the main event segment. Hart tried to force a smile for the audience as he walked to the ring to interview John Cena. Hart took a deep breath and grabbed a mic before cutting to the chase by welcoming out John Cena.

Cena's music played to a mixed reaction and Cena walked out without his usual emotion. Cena quietly surveyed the crowd before charging the ring. In the ring, Cena shook hands with Hart before raising his hand to the crowd. Cena asked for a mic, then thanked Hart for the interview time. Hart brought in Cena close to discuss his feud with C.M. Punk and said it reminds him a lot of his same problems with Shawn Michaels. Hart said they once had mutual respect for each other, then the feud for the WWE Title almost destroyed their lives. Hart said when he looks at Cena, he sees himself, and when he looks at Punk, he sees a lot of the old Shawn Michaels.

[Q13 -- over-run] Cena thanked Hart for even mentioning him in the first sentence as Hart and Michaels. He said he still has a lot of work to do to earn that accolade. Cena paused for a "You Can't Wrestle" chant as he tried to fight back tears, obviously thinking about Lawler. Cena waited out the chant, then put over Hart as a Legend. He said Shawn Michaels is different than Punk because he owned who he was and the people stand behind Hart because he also stood up for something.

Cena said Punk is delusional right now because he thinks leather and gold is about beating respect out of people. Hart then asked Cena what he's going to do to shut up this phony punk. Suddenly, Punk's voice interrupted. Punk walked out on-stage asking if Hart just called him phony. Cena asked Punk if Hart calling him "phony" irritates him. Cena said he's calling Punk a phony, too. He said two things happen at this point - either Punk stands up there or he comes down to the ring and fights. On-stage, Punk said that's the pot calling the kettle black since the biggest phony in WWE history is Cena. Cena lifted his cap and smirked, then Punk slowly started walking to the ring. He said he decided to defend his good name in the face of such "rampant, ridiculous disrespect."

Punk approached the ring steps and slowly reached the ring apron before noting it breaks his heart to see how much Hart and Cena are alike. Punk entered the ring and said the two of them can have a pow-wow about how great they were on-top, but now they're ignoring being surpassed by someone far superior than them. Punk said of course he means him over Cena and Michaels over Hart. Punk said he's better than the old Shawn and the new Shawn, which drew boos. Punk then asked Hart about the "hillbilly" (Stone Cold) he made pass out to the Sharpshooter at WrestleMania 13. Punk said he's better than him, too. He's better than The Rock, he said. Punk then stepped up to Cena and said he did to Rock in one night what Cena couldn't do in one calendar year. Punk said he is the best wrestler, talker, technician, and brawler. He said he says this because he is it. Cena smirked as Punk said it makes him anything but a phony.

Cena said Punk is right - he's a liar and conceited scumbag. Punk congratulated him on that accolade before noting Montreal is a very honest city. He said WWE has referred to this building as BizarroWorld for years, but it's a very honest city. Cena said Punk has been WWE champ for 300 days and that title has been irrelevant the entire time. He said Punk watched main event after main event pass him by. But, the fact is there is no conspiracy. He said Punk has been here for many years and the night he made the most noise was the night Punk was turned silent. Punk said those days were about talk about change. Then, when Punk became champ, the fans thought it would be about change - from ice cream bars to new talent. He said the fans were lied to because the only thing "change" was about was Punk wanted to become a star. Cena said he went from underdog to favorite being himself, not by lying to the fans like Punk did.

Cena said Punk stole Hart's colors and stole Randy Savage's elbow because Punk has yet to find himself. He said he's not saying Punk isn't tough, but because he turned into something else. Cena told Punk he's going to have to find a new identity at Night of Champions because he's in very serious jeopardy of losing the WWE Title belt. Cena backed away and said he doesn't want to have to do this, but he owes Montreal something. He then said something in French that suggested Punk has a small member, which popped the crowd. Cena proceeded to speak more French, which popped the crowd and got a smile from Hart.

Punk interjected and said Cena has lowered himself to speak the language of the locals. "Enough!" Cena shouted in Punk's face. Cena called Punk an ignorant son-of-a-bitch and said he needs a little bit of respect before Cena slapped away his mic. Cena said what he said in English is that Punk says he's going to win at Night of Champions, but he's just going to kick his ass. Cena and Punk were within inches of each other at this point with an intense stare down that had the emotion of a real exchange. Punk backed away, then feigned a punch, but Cena blocked him before ripping off his t-shirt. Cena told Punk to bring it, but Punk slowly backed away toward the ropes. Punk suddenly went for a punch to Hart, but Hart blocked and landed a trademark right hand that sent Punk reeling out of the ring. Punk recovered on the outside as Hart's music played.

Announce table: Cole was shown on-camera with a final update that Jerry Lawler's condition has stabilized. He said Lawler is breathing on his own and his heart is breathing normally. Cole recapped the events with Lawler earlier in the show. He said they can say Lawler's condition is stabilized and he is breathing on his own. Cole said Lawler is being prepared for a CAT Scan of his chest and head. Cole plugged WWE's website for more updates on Lawler. Cole said, "Beat this thing. Get 'em King," to sign off.

WWE then went to a final shot of Cena and Hart standing tall ringside to close the show 15 minutes past the top of the hour.

We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on this show for a "Raw Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. To contribute your thoughts on Raw, email to pwtorch@gmail.com using our Feedback form.

He hosted the weekly Pro Wrestling Focus radio show on KFAN in the early 1990s and hosted the Ultimate Insiders DVD series distributed in retail stories internationally in the mid-2000s including interviews filmed in Los Angeles with Vince Russo & Ed Ferrara and Matt & Jeff Hardy. He currently hosts the most listened to pro wrestling audio show in the world, (the PWTorch Livecast, top ranked in iTunes)

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